Favorites white jersey Vuelta a Espana 2023: Top talents face absolute breakthrough
CyclingFriday, 25 August 2023 at 21:16
The ongoing trend of younger and younger winners emerging in the grand tours is also making its mark on the youth rankings in the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta. In the latter race, the white jersey was reintroduced in 2019, yet there's a strong possibility that once again, it might end up being claimed by a podium contender. In IDLProCycling.com, we delve into this phenomenon!
Tadej Pogacar secured the white jersey during his grand tour debut in 2019, followed by Enric Mas in 2020, the late Gino Mäder in 2021, and last year's overall champion Remco Evenepoel in 2022, all of whom showcased their prowess while donning the jersey in Madrid. To be eligible for the classification in 2023, riders must have been born after January 1, 1998.
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Favorites Vuelta a España 2023
Favorites red jersey Vuelta a España 2023
Favorites green jersey Vuelta a Espana 2023
Favorites polka dot jersey Vuelta a Espana 2023
Pooltips Vuelta a Espana 2023
Dutchmen in the Vuelta a Espana 2023
Favorites Vuelta a España 2023
Favorites red jersey Vuelta a España 2023
Favorites green jersey Vuelta a Espana 2023
Favorites polka dot jersey Vuelta a Espana 2023
Pooltips Vuelta a Espana 2023
Dutchmen in the Vuelta a Espana 2023
Latest winners white jersey Vuelta a España
2022 Remco Evenepoel
2021 Gino Mäder
2020 Enric Mas
2019 Tadej Pogacar
2021 Gino Mäder
2020 Enric Mas
2019 Tadej Pogacar
Favorites white jersey (youth classification) Vuelta a España 2023
In compiling this list, IDLProCycling.com reached out to (former) editors and asked them to rank their top ten contenders for the youth classification at the Vuelta a España. Each rider's ranking received points, following this sequence: 12 points for the first position, 10 for the second, and so forth, with 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point. The total points earned by each rider were then converted into a percentage of the maximum possible points, providing a better insight into the odds according to In the Leader's Jersey.
10. Oscar Onley - DSM-firmenich (7.1%)
Our list commences with one of the two promising talents from DSM-firmenich: Oscar Onley, a 20-year-old rider in his first full year as a professional. Onley's performance in the CRO Race last year, where he engaged in several uphill duels with Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard, showcased his abilities as either a puncher or a rider with potential for stage races.
In 2023, DSM-firmenich offered him a comprehensive race schedule, including events at the highest level like the Amstel Gold Race and the Critérium du Dauphiné. Prior to the Vuelta, the young DSM-firmenich team participated in the Tour of Poland, where Onley performed admirably on hilly finishes and secured a respectable tenth place overall.
9. Lennert Van Eetvelt - Lotto-Dstny (9.5%)
Ninth on our list is the first of three Belgians: Lennert Van Eetvelt, who secured second place in last year's Giro for Under-23 riders. Van Eetvelt is in the process of self-discovery, facilitated by his team Lotto-Dstny, which provides him ample opportunity for growth. The theme of discovery perfectly encapsulates Van Eetvelt's inaugural grand tour experience.
His race preparation mirrors that of Onley, although it's worth noting that Van Eetvelt might possess more potential in handling longer climbs compared to his British counterpart. Positioned somewhat in the shadow of other emerging Belgian talents, Van Eetvelt appears poised to embark on a promising debut Vuelta.
8. Lenny Martinez - Groupama-FDJ (25.0%)
Eighth place on this list is occupied by Lenny Martinez, a diminutive climber hailing from Groupama-FDJ. Coming from a true cycling lineage, the Frenchman carries that cycling DNA into his maiden year as a professional, making his debut at the Vuelta. With a mere weight of 52 kilograms, the Cannes native appears tailor-made for the demanding gradients of the Spanish race's climbs. This was substantiated earlier this season when he clinched victory in the Mont Ventoux Challenge, among other achievements.
Nonetheless, a sentiment applicable to many on this list also pertains to Martinez: this will be his first three-week stage race, and consequently, it could unfold as a case of 'all or nothing'. Nevertheless, with the presence of Romain Grégoire in the team's selection, Groupama-FDJ seems well-prepared to factor in such variables.
7. Max Poole - DSM-firmenich (29.8%)
Next up, we have another product from the DSM-firmenich talent factory: Max Poole, standing at 1.85 meters tall, he's a big top talent both literally and figuratively. The 20-year-old Brit showcased his potential in several smaller races last season and continued to impress in major races this year.
Competing in tough events like the Tour de Romandie, the Tour of the Alps, and the Critérium du Dauphiné, Poole consistently climbed alongside the best, positioning him as a contender to watch in this Vuelta. Within the shadow of Romain Bardet, Poole and Onley at DSM-firmenich will have ample space to further develop their potential.
6. Santiago Buitrago - Bahrain-Victorious (40.5%)
Next on the list is Santiago Buitrago: At his team Bahrain Victorious, there's a hopeful anticipation that the Colombian rider can take another step as a classification contender in this Vuelta. Buitrago, a compact sprinter, has secured consecutive Giro d'Italia victories, but has consistently landed just outside the top ten in those finishes. The challenge lies in his transition from a stage winner to someone capable of performing well across three weeks.
With Mikel Landa leaving Bahrain Victorious, Buitrago is being relied upon by the team. His impressive third-place finish in the spring's Liège-Bastogne-Liège serves as an indicator of his potential for success in this grand tour.
5. Cian Uijtdebroeks - BORA-hansgrohe (51.2%)
The moment has arrived: Cian Uijtdebroeks, a cyclist who has been widely praised by the global cycling community for several years, is embarking on his debut grand tour. Representing BORA-hansgrohe, the Belgian rider's personal objective is to explore his capabilities across a three-week race, all while being surrounded by formidable riders like Aleksandr Vlasov and the more free-spirited duo of Lennard Kämna and Sergio Higuita.
Uijtdebroeks has consistently demonstrated his endurance in every race he has participated in this season. Whether it was in Oman, Catalonia, Romandie, or Switzerland, he has consistently vied for top positions. Following his victory in the Tour de l'Avenir last year, his participation in this Vuelta is a natural progression in his career.
4. Thymen Arensman - INEOS Grenadiers (54.8%)
It's easy to forget that Thymen Arensman is still only 23 years old, but that's indeed the case. Despite his young age, the INEOS Grenadiers rider is entering his fourth (!) Vuelta a España, a fact that hasn't hindered his performance thus far. In both 2020 and 2021, he left his mark with his attacking style, while last year he successfully established himself as a classification contender.
A spectacular stage victory at Sierra Nevada paved the way for a sixth-place finish in the final standings, a position Arensman replicated in this year's Giro as well. In this Vuelta, his role will mirror that of his performance in Italy: sticking with leader Geraint Thomas for as long as possible while also maintaining a strong individual classification position.
3. Joao Almeida - UAE-Team Emirates (65.5%)
A contender for the overall victory at this Vuelta is Joao Almeida. The Portuguese rider from UAE Team Emirates secured a fifth-place finish in last season's Vuelta, following a somewhat inconspicuous tour. In his team's press release, he expressed his ambition to see two of his teammates on the podium this year.
Almeida is recognized as a consistent rider, a characteristic that serves him well over the course of three weeks. This quality could prove valuable in this Vuelta, even though it's worth mentioning that the steeper climbs have posed a slightly greater challenge for him over the years.
2. Juan Ayuso - UAE-Team Emirates (85.7%)
Alongside Almeida, UAE-Team Emirates is also entering the Tour of Spain with the exceptional young talent, Juan Ayuso. At just twenty years old, Ayuso secured a remarkable third place in last year's Vuelta, establishing himself as one of the most prominent cycling prodigies of his generation. Ayuso's remarkable talents are here to stay for a long and promising career of around fifteen years. The highly proficient English-speaking Spaniard will also embark on the Vuelta journey from his hometown of Barcelona.
Throughout this season, Ayuso has faced challenges due to a lingering tendon injury. However, his impressive performances in races such as the Tour of Switzerland and the Tour de Romandie have clearly demonstrated that he shouldn't be underestimated. This sets a positive tone for the Tour of Spain, commencing in his native Catalonia.
1. Remco Evenepoel - Soudal Quick-Step (97.6%)
Remco Evenepoel returns as the reigning champion of the Vuelta a España. The Belgian powerhouse from Soudal Quick-Step will commence his journey in Catalonia wearing the prestigious number 1 jersey. He has already showcased his prowess on this terrain by securing victory in the final stage of a WorldTour race there this year, triumphing over Montjuic. However, right from the beginning of the tour, he must remain vigilant, as Jumbo-Visma will undoubtedly be seeking opportunities to challenge and unseat him.
Undoubtedly, Evenepoel stands as one of the foremost contenders for the coveted red jersey, which also naturally makes him a prime candidate for the white jersey. His remarkable achievements and time trial world champion status have elevated him to a level where the youth jersey may hold less allure for him than it did a few years ago;
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Latest Comments
- All they learned is that at the end of a 3 week race, Wout can beat him on a slightly bumpy stage. Obviously, this is very much thanks to Wout not racing for GC every day. This doesn't teach them a thing for Jonas beating Pogi. Not saying Jonas will never beat him again. But this absolutely won't have anything to do with it if he does beat him.Veganpotter28-07-2025
- Well, he eventually Pogacar pays the price for his insane spring campaign which was really crazyRosenkohl196125-07-2025
- Maybe I was a bit disrespectful to Heiden. What he did was unique and exceptional but he wasn't the only one who combined those distances, nowadays it is just not possible and nobody competes in both distances. The same is true for cycling with for example the combination of Roubaix and de Tour de France. In Merckx era there were more riders who managed a top10 in both races than currently.Joostmehrtens19-06-2025
- Two old men shouting at pigeons in the park…JonS16-06-2025
- Out of touch old men hankering after their youth through rose tinted spectacles, their arrogance almost outshines their irrelevance. Turn the volume down, this modern stuff just isn't music like we used to sing...johnny20whales16-06-2025
- In talking speed skating, the days when Heiden did that, nobody else did that. And Eddy couldn't do the equivalent of the bike. His 200 on the velodrome was good, but not world competitive for gold. Heiden was in his own world on the ice, moreso than Eddy if we pretend Eric didn't have a very short career on the ice.Veganpotter16-06-2025
- They wouldn't have dropped HIM so easily.... the GOAT. They would have dropped the rest from that era easily thoughVeganpotter16-06-2025
- Merckx was able to win in a break away on a flat (sprinters) stage, what do you mean they did not drop that easily in his time. Vlaeminck won in the mountains and the classics, but now you need to specialise. The days that a Eric Heiden could win the sprint and the 10k and everything in between are long gone and cycljng is no differentJoostmehrtens16-06-2025
- Carsapaz and Del torro were not capable of chasing Yates. They paused and looked at each other because they didn't have it in them. Yates had kept his powder dry waiting for this stage and demolished both of them. They lost Yates won. Your second guessing is utter nonsense., if either felt they could close Yates down they would have , just like they did countless times for other riders. They blew up , Yates excelled.Uphillbilly05-06-2025
- Carapaz is full of it. He is absolutely irrelevant after a rant at del Toro. Isaac had no obligations to do anything for Carapaz. It should remind one of the saying that goes lke this: "If I jump off the bridge, are you going to jump too?" If Caapaz wanted to win the Giro he should have chased Yates with or without Isaac. And if del Toro could follow, then so be it. But it was Carapaz's choice to slow down and stare at Isaac. Isaac was on the radio at times and you can bet he was being told by the Team car to do just what he was doing. Did I like that he didn't set out after Yates himself, NO. But the 21 year old was probably being instructed to do what he did, otherwise you can bet we would have heard from UAE mgmt. that Isaac chose to ignore their orders. But what we did hear was they were happy with his result. Which I think was a terrible betrayal of their young rider, who I think was capable of more than that penultimate stage showed. The Giro finished on a truly sour note as far as I'm concerned, because it was not "raced" The most crucial stage of the whole 21 stage race was simply given away, playing games with the unwritten rules of bicycle racing. "Leaders jerseys responsibility" and all that nonsense. Just RACE! It was disgraceful.
reemmo004-06-2025